Three South African nationals have been brought before a court over the alleged killing of 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlat, in Pretoria West.
The accused — Dikeledi Tears Mphela (24), Goitsione Machidi (25), and McClaren Mushwana (30) — appeared at the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Monday in connection with the incident.
In a statement released the same day, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that the trio is facing charges of premeditated murder and robbery.
According to the prosecuting authority, the defendants withdrew their bail application during proceedings, and the matter was adjourned until February 23 to allow investigators additional time to conclude their inquiries.
“It is alleged that on 11 February 2026, the accused ordered e-hailing services using a mobile phone number that was not registered in their name,” Lumka Mahanjana, the NPA regional spokesperson for the Gauteng division, said in the statement.
“When the vehicle arrived, Mphela and an accomplice, who is still at large, got into the vehicle, while the other two accused followed in a separate car.
“Mphela and her accomplice allegedly forced the deceased to stop the vehicle, strangled him to death, and robbed him of his cell phone and vehicle, which was later recovered.
“The incident was captured by a camera installed in the vehicle, and the footage was circulated on social media,” Mahanjana said.
The NPA spokesperson further explained that investigations carried out by the South African Police Service resulted in the arrest of Mphela on February 13, 2026.
“The other two accused were arrested on 15 February 2026. The matter was postponed to 23 February 2026 for further investigations.
“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) remains committed to working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that perpetrators of violent crimes are brought to justice,” Mahanjana added.
Reports also indicate that a fourth suspect surrendered to police on Monday and is expected to be formally charged in court on Tuesday.
Video footage retrieved from the vehicle’s dashboard camera reportedly showed a female passenger attacking the driver while a male passenger seated behind him joined in the assault.
The victim was allegedly strangled from behind, after which the suspects placed his body in the rear seat and drove away with the vehicle. Authorities later located the stolen car with Satlat’s remains inside.
FG Condemns Killing
Nigeria’s Federal Government, through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), strongly denounced the killing of the young Nigerian.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, called for swift justice, urging that all those responsible be apprehended and prosecuted.
She described the growing incidents of violence and criminal attacks involving Nigerians in South Africa as alarming and deserving of urgent attention.
Emphasising the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and South Africa as African partners, the NIDCOM chief questioned why individuals would carry out such acts against fellow Africans.
Dabiri-Erewa appealed to South African authorities to ensure that justice is delivered in the case and to strengthen measures aimed at protecting the lives and property of foreign nationals residing in the country.
What you should know
Three South Africans have been charged with premeditated murder and robbery over the alleged killing of Nigerian e-hailing driver Isaac Satlat in Pretoria West.
The suspects withdrew their bail application, and the case has been adjourned for further investigation, while a fourth suspect has reportedly surrendered.
Nigeria’s government, through NIDCOM, has condemned the killing and called for justice and stronger protection for Nigerians living in South Africa.
